Athena's regional league came back from a two set deficit to stun Ashfield Vipers 1.

Athena started with a strong line up of Sarah, Alysia, Kristy, Adela, Sam and Kamila, but they very slowly as they struggled t0 cope with the cold temperature and the small, dark sports hall. They were tentative with their first pass and their hitting. Alex made her debut for Athena, coming on for Alysia as opposite hitter at 9:16 down but, although Athena started to close the gap, Vipers 1 took advantage to wi the first set 20-25.

Athena started with second set with Alex in for Alysia and it was a close contest all the way through the set. At 17:18 down, Liza came on for Kamila whose serving had yet to hit the heights. However, Athena could not close the set out and Vipers took a 2-0 lead.

Athena went back to their starting line-up with Sarah and Kristy making their feelings known ... we had not come this far to lose. Those words had an immediate effect as Athena scorched into the lead and powered to a 25-15 set win as Kamila found her serve and Adela and Kristy hitting with power and accuracy. With the wind in their sails, Athena repeated the score to even the match up at two sets apiece.

So far this season, Athena had lost twice in the fifth set, against Viper's National League side in the National Cup and against Darkstar in the league. This time there was to be no heart-break as Athena withstood a rejuvenated Vipers team to win 15-12.

Athena brought Emma, Alex and Faye into the team for the second match as they switched to a 2 setter system to accommodate the players available. Faye was also making her debut and Emma making her second appearance.

Athena started with Alex and Faye setting, Sarah moving to outside hitter with Adela and Sam and Kamila staying as middle hitters. The first few points, Athena looked a little disjointed, which was to be expected considering the switch in format and the new players but soon, Kamila's serving and their overall technical ability started to show and Athena won 25-7. Emma, Alysia and Kristy came on for Alex, Adela and Sam and they quickly got into their groove to win 25-9. In the third set, Emma and Alex were setters, Kristy and Kamila as middle hitters and Sarah and Adela as outside hitters. Their power and experience was too much for a very young Vipers 2 team and they completed the 3-0 victory.

Kamila took MVP as reward for her great serving and devastating middle hitting.

It was an excellent effort by all the players and the pizza tasted especially sweet as we went for a team meal afterwards.